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Continuing our written series on the importance of new talent in the finance industry, we sat down with our budding Business Development Executive, Sam Oliver. Sam joined our Operations team at just 21 after demonstrating a passion for working his way through an industry that, traditionally, may seem difficult for a young person without a degree or official financial qualification. Now, he works in the Sales team, showing how determination is rewarded no matter where you are starting from.
Time Finance believes in nurturing talent where potential has been demonstrated. With the recent launch of our graduate program and continual investment in training courses for those starting their career with us, we know how vital it is to offer the push that launches today's beginners into tomorrow’s experts. Hear what Sam has to say about how Time Finance has boosted his career:
What attracted you to a career in Finance?
Being totally honest, I never intended to land a job in finance! I was initially undertaking a 2-year football scholarship, but when the pandemic hit, that came to an end, and I was looking for some stability and an opportunity to push myself. I had always been good with numbers through school, so off the back of that, it seemed natural to see if I could utilise these skills on a day-to-day level.
How do you feel your skillset has developed compared to your first few days in the office?
I started as a Relationship Executive and from the get-go, I was eager to learn about what makes a strong and successful client relationship manager. It definitely took a few weeks to grasp the basics and learn some of the hacks from my colleagues, but my first manager at Time Finance, Tom Cook, was so patient and knowledgeable that my development accelerated. Within no time, I was allowed to start speaking directly with clients and I’d say confidence in myself and achieving my place in the business is the biggest development by far.
What have Time Finance done to make the transition from your last job a smooth journey?
As I came from such a different background to those typically following a career in finance, I obviously had apprehensions about whether I would settle in. From day one in the Manchester office, I knew those nerves were totally unnecessary. The team made sure no two days were ever the same and there was an opportunity to try something new every day. I was given my own clients and was instantly part of a dynamic team. I had never considered a career other than football up to that point; the pace and responsibility made the transition both productive and genuinely enjoyable.
What are your biggest highlights in the industry so far?
I passed my probation early, which confirmed that not only was I on the right path, but I had exceeded my manager’s expectations and had found a potential career. My biggest highlight was being offered the opportunity to move over to the Sales team just 8 months after beginning in the Operations team. I have since generated my own leads and I’m starting to build my own network of brokers and intermediaries. I feel like I’m on an upward progression with Time Finance and love that I always have another target to push myself towards. I’m achieving goals – just not quite the ones I was used to on the pitch!